Archives 2025

World Cancer Day, observed on February 4th every year, is a global initiative that unites people in the fight against cancer. With millions affected worldwide, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and support for those battling the disease.

Cancer is a leading cause of death, but the good news is that many types of cancer are preventable, and early diagnosis can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Through research, innovative treatments, and collaborative efforts, survival rates have steadily increased, offering hope to many.

World Cancer Day also encourages conversations surrounding the emotional and financial toll that cancer takes on individuals and families. It is a call to action for governments, healthcare professionals, and communities to work together to provide better access to treatment and care.

As we observe World Cancer Day, let us stand together in support of those impacted by cancer, remember the lives lost, and advocate for continued progress in research and care. Awareness is the first step toward a world where cancer is no longer a threat to our loved ones.

Dr. Padma Venkat, Dean, School of Health Sciences and Technology (SOHST)

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in improving survival rates, as “cancer can be treated well if detected early”. Advances in technology, such as liquid biopsy, artificial intelligence in imaging, and multi-omics approaches, have revolutionized early cancer detection, allowing timely and more effective treatment interventions. At UPES, World Cancer Day will be celebrated to bring awareness among faculty, staff, and students about the importance of cancer control and prevention strategies nationwide. The event will emphasize the significance of routine screenings, lifestyle modifications, and the latest technological developments in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. UPES houses state-of-the-art cancer research facilities that enable researchers to work on groundbreaking strategies for early cancer detection and the development of effective cancer treatments. With a strong commitment to translational cancer research, scientists at UPES are dedicated to discovering novel therapies that can improve patient outcomes and contribute to the global fight against cancer. Through education, research, and awareness, we can work together to reduce the burden of cancer and save lives.

Bengaluru, February 4, 2025: As part of the renowned Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025, the world’s largest theatre festival, Bengaluru witnessed an alluring international production of ‘The Marriage of Balzaminov’ on Day 2 of its satellite chapter, presented by the esteemed Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, GITIS.

The occasion was graced by eminent personalities including senior theatre practitioner Kappanna, renowned writer and theatre enthusiast K. Marulasiddappa, B Suresha, Indian Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter & Actor, Banashankari V Angadi, Joint Director Kannada and Culture, Nirmala Mathapathi, Registrar, Karnataka Nataka Academy, and Dr. K V Nagarajamurthy, Chairman, Nataka Academy.

The play, written by the legendary playwright Ostrovsky, and directed by Nina Chusova, was performed at the Kalagrama Auditorium at 6:30 PM on February 2, 2025.

Set in the 1990s, during a time of profound societal and economic change in Russia, The Marriage of Balzaminov explored the universal human pursuit of happiness. The story followed Mishenka Balzaminov, an ordinary man navigating a world filled with dreams of wealth, while ultimately seeking personal fulfillment. The play masterfully captured the essence of human aspirations and desires, portraying the timeless theme of searching for happiness amidst uncertainty.

In collaboration with Karnataka Nataka Academy the Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 continues with exciting performances:

• Monday, February 3, 2025 sees the NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, presenting Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun, written by Vijaydan Detha and directed by Ajay Kumar. This Hindi play will be performed at 6:30 PM and has a duration of 110 minutes.
• Tuesday, February 4, 2025 features Tajmahal ka Tender, a Hindi play written by Ajay Shukla, and directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy, who is currently serving as Director of National School of Drama. The NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, will stage this performance at 6:30 PM, with a running time of 130 minutes.
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025 brings Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, translated by Vindhya Harankaha. V4 Theatre from Sri Lanka will stage this sinhala-language production at 6:30 PM, directed by Jayanath Bandara. The performance will last 120 minutes.
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 features Paakuduraallu, a Telugu-language play written by Raavuri Bharadwaja and directed by Nasreen Ishaque. Presented by Nibha Theatre Ensemble from Hyderabad, this performance will begin at 6:30 PM and run for 110 minutes.
• Friday, February 7, 2025 showcases ‘Yayati’, written by Girish Karnad and translated by B. R. Narayan. The Bagban Theatre Group from Georai, Beed, Maharashtra, will perform this Hindi play at 6:30 PM, directed by Aslam Yunus Sheikh. The play will have a duration of 160 minutes.
• Saturday, February 8, 2025, marks the closing of the festival with ‘Jasma Odan’, written by Shanta Gandhi, and directed by B. Jayashree. Performed by the NSD Bengaluru Centre, this Kannada-language play will begin at 6:00 PM and last 105 minutes.

Chandigarh, February 04, 2025 – Human Mobile Devices today announced the renewal of its successful partnership with acclaimed actor Jimmy Shergill, extending his role as the face of HMD’s feature phone portfolio in India. The extension follows the remarkable success of the ‘Khoob Chalega’ campaign, which resonated strongly with consumers across the country.

This renewed collaboration builds upon the strong foundation established during the initial partnership, where Jimmy Shergill’s authentic persona perfectly aligned with HMD’s commitment to delivering reliable and innovative communication devices to millions of Indians.

Commenting on the extended partnership, Ravi Kunwar, CEO and VP- HMD India and APAC said, “We are delighted to extend our association with Jimmy Shergill. His genuine connection with audiences and credible screen presence have significantly amplified our brand message and innovation story to the masses. His values and appeal perfectly complement Human Mobile Device’s vision of making technology accessible to everyone.”

Jimmy Shergill expressed his enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, saying, “My journey with Human Mobile Devices has been great and our first campaign has been a huge success. I’m excited to continue this relationship. The brand’s commitment to delivering quality and dependability resonates with my principles. I look forward to being part of HMD’s continued mission to come.”

The extended partnership will see Jimmy Shergill feature in upcoming campaigns for HMD’s line-up of feature phones across various platforms. This alliance is part of the HMD marketing mix to reach out to the target audience and create buzz about the range of products to offer.

Stay tuned as Human Mobile Devices and your all-time favorite hero Jimmy Shergill embark on this exciting journey together one more time, shaping the future of mobile technology and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Mumbai,4th February 2025 –Sky Gold Limited (SGL), a leading Mumbai-based jewellery company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of gold jewellery, has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024.

Q3FY25 Consolidated Financial Performance Snapshots (Y-o-Y)

·       Revenue from Operations: Increased by 116.74% year-on-year to Rs. 997.97 crore.

·       EBITDA: Rose by 217.60% to Rs. 57.29 crore.

·       Profit After Tax (PAT): Grew by 309.10% to Rs. 36.54 crore.

 Key Financial Highlights

Operational Highlights

·       Revenue Growth: Consolidated revenues for Q3FY25 reached Rs. 997.97 crores, marking a 116.74% increase year-on-year.

·       EBITDA Performance: Achieved Rs. 57.29 crores in EBITDA, reflecting a 217.60% growth compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

·       PAT Achievement: PAT stood at Rs. 36.54 crores, a 309.10% increase year-on-year, marking the third consecutive quarter of significant PAT growth.

 Commenting on the Results, Mr. Mangesh Chauhan, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, said:

“Sky Gold Ltd continues its exceptional growth trajectory in the third quarter of FY25. Our Revenue from Operations surged by 116.74% year-on-year to Rs.997.97 crore. EBITDA increased by 217.60% to Rs. 57.29 crores, and Profit After Tax grew by 309.10% to Rs. 36.54 crores.

This growth is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational efficiency. During the quarter, we successfully approved a 9:1 bonus share issue, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. The acquisitions of Starmangalsutra and Sparkling Chains have significantly bolstered our market position by expanding product offerings and leveraging operational synergies.

We are also excited to announce our upcoming entry into the lab-grown diamond segment, which aligns with global trends and customer preferences. This initiative will allow us to diversify our portfolio and tap into a burgeoning market, both domestically and internationally.

Our recent fundraising through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) of Rs. 270 crores has further strengthened our financial position, enabling us to invest in cutting-edge technology and scale operations effectively. Additionally, the reduced import duty on gold has provided a strong tailwind, increasing consumer preference for organized markets and driving growth in demand for gold jewellery.

As we progress through FY25, our focus remains on increasing capacity utilization at our Navi Mumbai facility, strengthening our mid-management and regional sales teams, and optimizing financials through gold metal loans. These measures, combined with investments in IT, automation, and ERP systems, position us to achieve our long-term revenue target of INR 6,300 crores by FY27 and expand our production capacity to 1,050 Kgs/month within the next three years.”

Strategic Growth Initiatives

Sky Gold remains committed to:

·       Increasing Capacity Utilization: Enhancing production efficiency at its new facility.

·       Investing in Technology: Implementing IT solutions and ERP systems to streamline operations.

·       Strengthening Human Resources: Building a robust mid-management and regional sales team.

·       Financial Optimization: Utilizing gold metal loans to improve profitability and reduce borrowing costs.

Mumbai/Delhi, 4th February 2025: Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL), a leading multimodal logistics company in India, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024.

 CFS revenue includes adjustment of reduction of INR 32.04 crores on account of change in accounting method for YTD FY25 and INR 11.85 crores for Q3 FY25.

 Financials include Total Revenue of INR 10.03 crores, EBIDTA of INR 1.24 crores, PBT of INR (-0.31 crores) and PAT of INR (-0.33) crores due to consolidation of accounts after Snowman Logistics went from being an Associate Company to a Subsidiary from December, 24 2024.

 PBT and PAT includes exceptional income of Rs. 390.77 Crs. due to fair valuation of equity on consolidation of Snowman Logistics Limited, which became subsidiary from December 24, 2024.

Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, said, “Despite the Red Sea impact, especially in Q1, volumes and margins have recovered and remained steady in Q2 and Q3 for the Company. There is a healthy pipeline as the focus remains on increasing our market share, especially in the Rail Vertical. We are hopeful that the Red Sea crisis will come to an end soon and if shipping lines start using this route again there will be a significant boost to EXIM volumes for India. We continue to explore opportunities for developing new rail terminals to further expand our network. In December, GDL also met its target of crossing 50% shareholding in Snowman Logistics and is now a subsidiary.”

National, February 4, 2025: Driven by strong growth in motor premiums, Shriram General Insurance Company (SGI) has reported a 25% year-on-year increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP) for Q3 FY25, at Rs. 1061 Cr, up from Rs. 850 Cr in the same quarter last year. For the 9M FY25, GWP grew by 23% year-on-year, rising from Rs 2160 Cr to Rs. 2654 Cr, significantly outperforming the general insurance industry’s growth rate of 8%.

Net profit for the quarter rose to Rs 131 Cr, a 12% growth from Rs. 117 Cr in the same period last year. Investment Income rose by 13%.

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO of Shriram General Insurance Company, stated, “Our focused strategy in the motor sector is yielding positive outcomes. This quarter, we achieved significant progress in digital transformation. With our targeted growth approach, we are optimistic about our roadmap for the upcoming quarters.”

During the quarter SGI launched a new motor insurance product featuring usage-based pricing, allowing for personalized premiums. This initiative aims to improve affordability and accessibility, aligning with evolving customer needs.

The company also launched its indemnity-based health insurance product– Shri Health Suraksha Insurance, designed to cover a wide variety of treatments, including modern procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), offering flexible options to meet the insured’s diverse healthcare needs. The new offering provides nationwide coverage, allowing access to cashless treatments at over 13,000 network hospitals with a range of options enabling individuals to choose a plan suitable to their needs.

SGI issued 17.40 Lakh policies during the third quarter of FY25, up by 3.5% YoY. The company’s solvency ratio stands strong at 3.58 as of 31 Dec 2024, well above the regulatory requirement of 1.50. The number of live policies grew to 64 Lakh, up from 61.4 Lakh in the same period last year.

The drive to onboard financial advisors gained further momentum with the company recruiting 5644 financial advisors during the quarter. The plans are to increase the number of financial advisors to 2,00,000 by 2029-30.

Mumbai, February 4, 2025 – In a landmark moment for the future of education, VidyaAI, the world’s first AI-powered personalized learning platform, was officially launched today at the prestigious IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025. The event, known as Asia’s largest entrepreneurial platform, provided the perfect stage for VidyaAI to unveil its transformative potential in revolutionizing education.

A Revolutionary Step in Education:
VidyaAI, proudly conceptualized and developed in India, is a personalized and adaptive learning platform designed to cater to the diverse learning needs of students, educators, and institutions. By combining Generative AI, real-time analytics, and multi-language accessibility, VidyaAI delivers tailored learning experiences, making education more inclusive, efficient, and impactful.

“This is not just a product launch; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in education where every learner, regardless of their background, can access personalized and quality education,” said Dr. Utpal Chakraborty, Co-Founder of VidyaAI. “We are proud that VidyaAI is not only Made-in-India but is also a tool for nation-building, empowering students and educators to achieve their fullest potential.”

Transforming Education, One Learner at a Time:

Key features of VidyaAI include:

• Personalized Learning Paths: Tailored to each student’s unique strengths and needs.
• AI Buddy: Real-time support available 24/7 for clarifying doubts and enhancing understanding.
• AI-Generated Notes and Summaries: Simplifying complex topics for better retention.
• Gamified Learning: Making education interactive, engaging, and fun.
• Multi-Language and Offline Support: Bridging the gap for learners in remote and underserved areas.

Bringing Global Innovation, Rooted in India’s Values:

 Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Salil, Co-Founder of VidyaAI, said, “Education is the backbone of any nation. VidyaAI is our commitment to making India a global leader in ed-tech innovation while addressing the diverse needs of learners across geographies. This platform is a testament to India’s growing influence in the technology space, powered by world-class AI.”

A Grand Launch at IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025:
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Chairman of Infosys, Sonam Wangchuk, renowned innovator and education reformist, and Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director at NRSC ISRO. Other distinguished speakers such as Bharat Desai, Co-Founder of Syntel, Viraj Bahl, Shark Tank India personality, Pulkit Jain, Co-Founder of Vedantu, and Sandeep Jain, Founder of GeeksforGeeks, added to the event’s prestige.

This grand unveiling showcased VidyaAI as a first-of-its-kind personalized learning platform, empowering education through AI-driven solutions and setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive educational future.

IIT Bombay as the Launchpad for Innovation:
The E-Summit provided the ideal platform for the launch of VidyaAI, reflecting IIT Bombay’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. Prof Biplab Banerjee, a distinguished professor at the Centre of Machine Learning and Data Science at IIT Bombay, remarked, “IIT Bombay E-Summit is proud to be part of VidyaAI’s journey. This platform not only represents a technological breakthrough but also highlights how innovation can address critical challenges in education and contribute to nation-building. VidyaAI is a shining example of what India can achieve when education meets technology.”

Empowering Nation-Building Through Education:
VidyaAI aligns closely with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes personalized and technology-driven learning. By bringing adaptive education to millions, VidyaAI is expected to play a significant role in equipping India’s youth with future-ready skills while bridging the educational divide across rural and urban regions.

New Delhi: The media buzzed with excitement, book lovers were pleasantly surprised, and business professionals eagerly awaited the unveiling. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity as Pendown Press proudly launched the World’s Smallest Business Book, titled “Top 10 Reasons Why You Must Write a Book”, at the World Book Fair 2025. As soon as the formal announcement was made, the hustle and bustle began. Amid the enthusiastic crowd, the author of this much-anticipated book, Mr. Dinesh Verma, who is also the Founder and CMD of Pendown Press, emerged on stage with his signature smile. With great fanfare, he officially launched the World’s Smallest Business Book, a game-changer in the realm of business communication.

A Revolutionary Concept: The New-Age Influential Business Card. Mr. Dinesh Verma shared the inspiration behind creating this unique book Today, you all have created your missile. However, as every missile needs a launcher to reach its target, you too need to develop insights on how to use this tool to its optimum potential in the market.”He continued, “Though this is presented to you in the form of a book, it is far more than just a book. It is a New-Age Influential Business Card.”

In his masterclasses, Mr. Verma emphasizes the power of handing out a book instead of a traditional business card. He explained how sharing a book can make a lasting impression, help build authority, and create deeper connections during networking events, seminars, and meetings. Solving a Common Business Challenge. However, some professionals expressed concerns about the practicality of always carrying full-sized books to events. Acknowledging this genuine challenge, Mr. Verma said:

“I started thinking—how can I solve this problem? After weeks of brainstorming, countless iterations, and permutations, I finally came up with what you see today: the World’s Smallest Business Book.” This pocket-sized book is designed to fit easily in a pocket or bag, making it convenient for professionals to carry and share at any time. It serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping business owners establish authority effortlessly.

Inspiring the Business Community. Mr. Verma concluded his address with an inspiring message: “I am truly blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to address you all from this prestigious platform on the very first day of the World Book Fair. Let us celebrate this occasion with joy, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the written word. I wish you all Grand World Book Fair Days ahead! Pendown Press: Leading the Way in Authority-Building

Pendown Press has long been recognized as a pioneer in helping business owners and professionals build authority through books. The launch of the World’s Smallest Business Book is yet another testament to their innovative approach to publishing.

Southern Cross University (SCU) is proud to announce the Access25 initiative, which will make international education more accessible for students in 2025. The initiative sets tuition fees for international students at an affordable $25,000 per year, ensuring students receive the best value for their investment while pursuing high-quality education. The university aims to build a diverse and vibrant student community by offering competitive, accessible pricing without compromising academic excellence.

The Southern Cross Delegation led by Prof Mary Spongberg, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor is currently in India to meet their key academic and research counterparts. They will be engaging with colleagues from IIBT Bombay, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India, and Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences on sustainability and partnerships in this space between universities. Professor Jon Wardle and Associate Professor Christina Aggar will host discussions on fostering sustainability partnerships, and Professor Aggar will also visit the Asha Community Health and Development Society to further explore healthcare collaboration opportunities.

Speaking about the visit, Prof Mary said, “Southern Cross University has always had a strong presence in the Indian market, and we wish to maintain and expand that presence, through collaborations in research and with industry and community. Any vision we have for our presence in the Indian market must be underpinned by genuine partnership, impactful research collaboration, co-designed projects, and curricula, and shared experiences with students. I believe that working together, forming international teams, and sharing postgraduate students, builds trust, friendships, and cooperation.”

With the ever-changing landscape for visas, Australian universities have also faced some challenges. Prof Mary emphasized that the university continues to thrive despite these obstacles and said, “While the visa situation has been challenging for many universities, it has not negatively impacted SCU. We are open for business and remain confident that our region, with its well-established Indian communities in the Northern Rivers and Coffs Harbour, offers a supportive and welcoming environment for Indian students.”

In the past few years, SCU has been broadening its research across the sciences and engineering, in nursing and education. Currently, SCU has several projects in India and researchers who frequently work with Indian colleagues and communities. Over the last six years SCU researchers have published around 5000 articles with researchers from Indian institutions -including the National Botanical Institute, the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Public Health Foundation of India, the Universities of Calcutta, Delhi and IIHMR Jaipur. These articles represent research across all the disciplines and are evidence of SCU’s longstanding engagement and collaboration with Indian partners.

By -Kapeel Barsaiyan & Kshipra Simon, Buddh Jyoti Foundation

Charity and service have always been integral to Indian culture, where helping the weak and contributing to creation is seen as a fundamental dharma. In fact, the world’s biggest donor, Jamsetji Tata, was an Indian. The country takes pride in being home to some of the world’s most prominent philanthropists.

With the implementation of mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the Companies Act of 2013, corporate philanthropy gained a structured approach in India. This legislation requires companies to allocate 2% of their average net profits to CSR initiatives. Over the past decade, this mandate has encouraged businesses to act more ethically and sustainably, fostering a more strategic and impactful approach to community engagement.

CSR’s Impact in Numbers

Mandatory CSR has significantly boosted spending across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Over the years, CSR spending in India has shown a consistent upward trend:

• FY 2017-18: ₹17,096 crore
• FY 2018-19: ₹20,217 crore
• FY 2019-20: ₹249.65 billion
• FY 2020-21: ₹262.10 billion
• FY 2021-22: ₹26,278 crore
• FY 2022-23: ₹29,986.92 crore

The Economic Survey 2024 highlighted that CSR spending increased by an impressive 53% between the financial years 2017-18 and 2021-22. However, in 2023, CSR spending fell slightly below the mandated 2% of net profits.

Multifaceted Benefits of CSR

Beyond contributing to national development, CSR offers extensive benefits to businesses themselves, impacting stakeholders in numerous positive ways:

1. Builds Corporate Reputation and Trust

Active CSR initiatives enhance a company’s reputation and build stakeholder trust. Companies with robust social responsibility practices are perceived as moral and reliable, improving their overall brand image.

2. Promotes Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability-focused CSR projects help minimize carbon emissions and conserve natural resources. These initiatives not only protect the planet but also align with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices and products.

3. Boosts Employee Satisfaction

Employee morale is significantly enhanced when companies demonstrate a commitment to societal values. Employees who feel appreciated and aligned with their company’s ethical stance are more motivated, leading to improved performance and loyalty.

4. Enhances Customer Loyalty

Consumers increasingly prefer businesses that share their values. Companies with strong CSR initiatives often build a loyal customer base willing to pay more for their products and services due to shared principles and trust.

5. Advances Community Development and Social Equity

Investments in community infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development create long-lasting benefits that go beyond short-term profits. CSR activities can tackle pressing societal issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Collaboration between businesses, governments, and non-profits can amplify these impacts, creating programs that provide jobs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities in underserved communities.

Driving Social Change through Leadership

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a cornerstone of modern leadership. Businesses increasingly recognize their potential to drive meaningful change by addressing societal challenges and fostering environmental sustainability. Through well-implemented CSR strategies, companies not only advance social equity and community development but also achieve a competitive edge in today’s values-driven market.

By leveraging their resources and expertise, corporations can create a profound and lasting impact, demonstrating that business success and social good can go hand in hand.